Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine" is one of the most precious works in Polish collections: a small-scale portrait painted on wood showing Cecilia Gallerani. If you plan a visit to Kraków, arrange your museum time so you can see this painting calmly — the museum provides special display conditions and limits the number of visitors to ensure safety and a comfortable viewing experience.
This small detail — the painting’s modest size and enormous historical importance — is a good example of why it pays to approach sightseeing thoughtfully: proper preparation lets you fully appreciate the masterpiece and avoid queues and unexpected problems.
If your destination is the Princes Czartoryski Museum (part of the National Museum in Kraków) or other MNK branches, plan your time and check the rules about tickets and item storage — it will make visiting smoother and save you stress.
The MNK is made up of several branches across central Kraków: the Main Building, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Czartoryski Museum and others. Each site has slightly different rules, but some things are common: tickets are often sold for a specific day and time, last admission may be earlier than the stated closing time, and some rooms prohibit photography.
Specific, often-overlooked details that save time: at the Czartoryski branch you may not be able to leave large suitcases in the cloakroom — only small backpacks are accepted. Also note that some days (for example Tuesdays) may offer free entry to permanent exhibitions — if you’re on a budget this can be a good option, but expect bigger crowds then.
Book tickets online or arrive early at the ticket desk, and allow time for security checks and for pausing at exhibits where visitors tend to linger. If you want a close, intimate encounter with a work, come for the first entry of the day or choose less popular hours.
If you’re coming to Kraków in winter or for New Year’s Eve, the cardinal rule is: dress in layers. Night temperatures can drop sharply, and walking on cobblestones cools your feet and legs faster than you expect. Bring thermal base layers, a warm coat or parka, a wool scarf, a hat and gloves.
Traveler essentials for a Kraków New Year’s and winter sightseeing: an elegant evening outfit (dress/blazer + dress coat), comfortable non-slip shoes for walking on cobbles, spare socks, a powerbank, charger, plug adapter (Poland uses C/E/F plugs and 230 V), copies of documents (passport/ID + reservation confirmations), basic medicines, toiletries in small containers and a small daypack that will fit the museum cloakroom rules.
Extra items that can save your New Year’s Eve: a small umbrella or lightweight rain jacket, blister plasters, a shoe refresher, dry shampoo and cleansing wipes. If you plan a New Year’s dinner at a fancy restaurant, reserve a table in advance and pack an alternate outfit in case plans change.
Documents and reservations: ID/passport, tickets/booking codes (printed or in an app), confirmation of table bookings or event entries. Clothing: elegant evening wear plus a warm coat; elegant but comfortable shoes — consider removable insoles or spare shoes to change into.
Accessories: a small envelope for confirmations/phone number notes, powerbank, small cash, payment card, mini makeup/refresh kit, blister plasters, hair ties. Comfort in the city: thermal socks, gloves, scarf, disposable hand warmers (if you like), a lightweight bag for essentials, a reusable water bottle.
Safety: don’t leave belongings unattended, set a meeting point with your group in case you get separated, and remember that New Year’s Eve often brings crowds and street closures — have a plan B and a taxi or ride-hailing app number ready.
Take only what you need for a few hours to the museum: ID, phone, wallet, a small daypack and maybe a notebook. Large suitcases should stay at the hotel or go to a luggage storage service — some MNK branches do not accept big bags in the cloakroom.
Before entering, check rules on photography and touching exhibits — in many museums photography is restricted or forbidden in certain rooms. Use an audio guide or a short printed guide if you want to deepen your knowledge without using your phone near the exhibits.
If your goal is to see the "Lady with an Ermine", reserve your visit in advance — time slots and the number of viewers allowed near works of this importance are limited, and weekend or afternoon slots can sell out.
Kraków has a strong food scene — from refined restaurants recognized by guides to cozy cafés perfect for a winter break. For an exceptional meal consider places like Bottiglieria 1881 (fine dining) or other establishments highly rated for quality and consistency. For New Year’s Eve reserve well in advance.
Good cafés to warm up after a walk include book cafés and specialty coffee spots; Massolit Books & Café is a popular cozy choice for book lovers. Check opening hours during the holiday season, as many places adjust their schedules.
If you prefer modern Polish cuisine or regional flavors served elegantly, choose restaurants with strong reviews and online reservation options. On New Year’s Eve many restaurants run special menus and cover charges — check reservation terms in advance.
The "Lady with an Ermine" is small but displayed under special conservation conditions — visits may be shorter, timed, and take place in a separate viewing area. This setup gives an intimate experience but requires planning ahead.
Another surprise: in some museum branches the exhibition space and cloakroom design make it impossible to leave large luggage — leaving suitcases at your hotel or using luggage storage at the station is safer.
The city on New Year’s Eve: around the Market Square and Błonia Park you may encounter increased security checks and street closures — arrive early, decide on a meeting point with your group and check your return routes to your accommodation just before heading out.
Forgetting reservations: popular exhibitions and restaurants fill up, especially during the holiday season. Book ahead and keep confirmations handy.
Wrong shoes: high heels on cobblestones can ruin your evening. If you wear elegant shoes, bring a spare comfortable pair for walking between the restaurant and the event.
No luggage plan for museums: don’t assume every cloakroom will accept large suitcases. Check the rules in advance and leave big bags at the hotel or in luggage storage.
Where to buy MNK tickets and do I need to reserve? Tickets for MNK branches are often available online and some exhibitions require booking a specific time slot. If a work is popular, book in advance.
Can I leave my suitcase at the museum? In some branches, especially at the Czartoryski Museum, large suitcases cannot be left in the cloakroom — only small backpacks are accepted. Leave larger luggage at your hotel or in external luggage storage.
Is photography allowed? Photography can be restricted or forbidden in certain rooms for conservation and copyright reasons. Pay attention to signs and announcements in the museum.
How to dress elegantly but warmly for an outdoor New Year’s Eve? Combine dressy clothes with a warm coat and thermal layers underneath. A wool coat or a neutral-coloured parka is a good choice.
Do I need cash? Many places accept cards, but a small amount of cash is useful for markets, small stalls or minor fees.
Plan ahead but leave room for spontaneous discoveries: the city’s best moments often come from wandering side streets or popping into a small café. Prepare practically: the right clothes, comfortable shoes and awareness of museum rules will make sightseeing pleasant and stress-free.
If you want to see Kraków comfortably and with deeper historical context, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are visible on the guide’s page. If this guide helped you, share it with friends planning a trip so they can come to Kraków informed and enjoyably.
